MASKS 1 (IMAGE) Rice University Caption Scanning electron microscope images by Rice University engineers show the effects of heat on the filter layer of a surgical facemask. The center image shows the polymer filter after decontamination at 70 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. The right image shows the melted layer after exposure to 160 C for two minutes. The research team determined that a disposable mask can be decontaminated for reuse after five minutes at 70 C. Credit Faye Yap/Rice University Usage Restrictions None License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.